Rebecca Soni Announces Retirement

1/30/2014

Six-time Olympic medalist Rebecca Soni announced her retirement from professional swimming today.

Since making her Olympic debut at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Soni has been an integral member of USA Swimming. The 26-year-old has won three gold and three silver Olympic medals and is the only back-to-back Olympic gold medalist in the 200-meter breaststroke event after winning at both the 2008 and 2012 Games.

“Before I move away from swimming too much, I want to take the time to give back,” said Soni. “The swimming community has become my family and I want to do my best to inspire the next generation and to share some of the things I’ve learned.”

Soni will focus on her newly-launched lifestyle company and blog, The Atlas Ventures, which was created alongside fellow world champion Ariana Kukors. Her new endeavor encourages people of all ages to challenge themselves and explore opportunities outside of their comfort zone.

"The entire family at Arena is pleased to congratulate Rebecca on an incredible career. As an athlete, she made an indelible mark on swimming history, and as an ambassador and role model, she has been poised, professional and effective," said Tim McCool, Vice President and General Manager of Arena North America. "We will never forget her 2012 world record in the then-new red POWERSKIN Carbon-Pro, as that image remains an iconic picture of her success. As she enters the next chapter, we are pleased and honored that Rebecca will continue to be an Arena ambassador, and we look forward to working together."